Planning & Building
CITY OF LAFAYETTE
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
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CONNECT WITH A PLANNER
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT WALK-INS AND CANNOT GUARANTEE SERVICE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT
To help Planning staff respond as efficiently as possible, you have the option to meet with a planner in-person or virtually via Zoom. Please read below to decide which method you prefer in order to meet with a planner and discuss your questions.
Planning Counter
The Counter is open for in-person meetings on Thursdays, with the option to meet virtually via Zoom on Wednesdays.
Virtual Counter by Zoom is open Wednesday 9:00 - 11:00 (morning) and 1:00 - 3:00 (afternoon) - no appointment required.
Click the Zoom link to connect with a planner during open hours
Join by telephone at (669) 900-9128, Meeting ID: 880 8067 2124
In-Person Count Appointments are available Thursday 9:00 - 11:00 (morning) and 1:00 - 3:00 (afternoon) by appointment only.
Book and appointment to meet with a planner in person
In-person counter appointments are held at the City Offices: 3675 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Suite 210
Calls
A planner is on duty accepting calls from 8AM - 5PM Monday-Thursday at (925) 284-1976.
You may send questions via email to planner@lovelafayette.org, which is staffed Monday-Thursday. Please provide the property address and your questions in your email. E-mails received on Fridays will receive a response the following week.
Walk-Ins
The department DOES NOT accept walk-ins. Please choose either options to connect with a planner by phone, email, or appointment.
Closed Fridays
The department will be closed to the public on Fridays, however, Planning staff will continue to work on answering public inquiries from the week, processing applications, preparing long range planning documents, submitting mandated reporting to the state, and additional administrative tasks.
REQUIRED ANNUAL STORMWATER FACILITY INSPECTIONS
Applicants looking for plan review for stormwater facility inspections from the Lafayette Engineering Department must create an online account to submit a review request through the idtPlans portal.
- Register for an idtPlans account: https://lovelafayette.idtplans.com/secure/ (Click here for a step-by-step guide on creating an idtPlans account)
- Submit an application for a “Stormwater Permit” – you will receive an automated confirmation email when your application has been submitted successfully
- A digital version of the stormwater control plans used during construction of the stormwater facilities should be uploaded as part of the review request submittal. If you do not have a copy of the approved plans that were used during the construction of the stormwater facilities, please contact the Engineering department assistant at 925-299-3247 for assistance in obtaining a copy of the plans.
- There is no charge for review by the Engineering Department, but there is a $345 fee due to the County Conservation & Development Dept. which will issue the Stormwater Permit and conduct the inspection
- Engineering will review and stamp off plans; please allow up to one week for review
- Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to download the stamped plans
- Applicants are responsible for submitting the stamped plans to the County and scheduling the inspection with a County inspector
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Planning & Building Department provides current and future physical planning for the community consistent with the City's General Plan and Zoning Code, and the policy direction of the City Council. The General Plan sets forth the community's vision for long-term physical form and development, quality of life and community values. Strong emphasis is placed on physical preservation of neighborhoods, revitalization and enhancement of the downtown commercial area with respect for the community's semi-rural residential character, and the overall service needs of and vitality of the City's economic base. The Zoning Code contains land use regulations that implement General Plan policies. The Department processes development applications, administers the City's Zoning Code, and provides technical and administrative support to the Planning and Design Review Commissions. The Planning & Building Department also assures that development is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and all applicable State and local codes and ordinances. Enforcement of the Zoning Code is handled by Code Enforcement. The City contracts with Contra Costa County for building inspection services.
The Planning & Building Department prides itself on providing excellent customer service. In an effort to help us measure the quality of service provided, please take a moment to fill-out our customer satisfaction survey.
Work Plan:
- Staff and provide professional recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Commission, DSIMPIC, Environmental Task Force, and subcommittees.
- Provide quality assistance to the public in the areas of zoning, planning, building, and other related activities.
- Hear and decide discretionary approvals administered by the Zoning Administrator.
- Process and review applications in a timely and professional manner.
- Complete the tasks in the approved Work Plan.
- Implement the goals of the General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan.